Smithsonian Associates

For nearly 60 years, Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based education program—has produced innovative, engaging learning experiences that bring the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions, nearly 1,000 livestreamed and in-person programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.

Activities include:

Adult Programming

Adult programming provides opportunities for audiences to engage with leading experts in topics ranging from the arts, sciences and history to politics and music. Program formats include livestreamed and in-person lectures, multisession courses, daylong seminars, panel discussions, and seasonal performances.

Studio Arts

Hands-on art classes are offered year-round and in a variety of live in-person and online formats from one-day workshops to multisession classes. Designed for art enthusiasts ages 16 and older, the programs encompass a wide range of media and are led by art professionals. Studio courses emphasize developing or enhancing techniques, showcase Smithsonian collections and encourage students to explore a variety of tools and materials.

Study Tours

In-person day and overnight excursions  are guided by experts who encourage informal social engagement, narrate site visits and provide contextual information, tours follow in the footsteps of history, visit stunning exhibitions at museums, join experts in art, design, architecture and science on special-topic tours and explore behind the scenes at remote Smithsonian museums and research facilities.

Certificate Program in World Art History

The Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program is designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. Participants can choose from a wide range of in-person and online core courses and electives that speak to their own interests and complete the program requirements at their own pace.

Smithsonian Discovery Theater

Some 50,000 children annually experience live, educational performances at the Smithsonian Associates’ Discovery Theater. Actors, musicians and puppeteers animate topics such as cultural heritage and folklore, scientific exploration, creativity and invention for students and families from pre-K through elementary school.

Smithsonian Sleepovers and Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures

Smithsonian Associates presents customized nighttime experiences for groups and families with children ages 8–14 in sleepover and after-hours events at Smithsonian museums. When the crowds are gone and the doors have closed, kids and their chaperones will experience the museums in a whole new way during a night of fun that features tours, games, crafts and more.

Smithsonian Summer Camp

More than 90 weeklong summer in-person day camps enable children entering kindergarten on through ninth grade one-of-a kind opportunities to develop new skills guided by scientists, researchers, museum curators, writers and visual and performing artists—and have plenty of fun in the process.

Art Collectors Program

Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program invites collectors to purchase commissioned contemporary fine art prints and posters by acclaimed American artists. Each limited-edition print is signed, numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Proceeds support the educational and cultural programs of the Smithsonian Associates.

For additional information contact:

Smithsonian Associates                    
Ripley Center, Suite 3077                    
1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W.                    
Washington, D.C. 20560-0701            
(202) 633-3030
www.smithsonianassociates.org 

Mail to:
Smithsonian Associates
P.O. Box 23293
Washington, D.C. 20026-3293

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SI-4-2024